Our Christmas 'Menu':
Here are some of the ways we will be moving through Advent and celebrating Christmas as a community - we'd love you to join us.
Come and See Day
Saturday 8th November (10-4) sees the whole church building open to the public.
Come and see the facilities, enjoy some refreshments, and look around - including (weather dependent) a trip up our tower - usually closed to the public. Under 16's will need to be accompanied by an adult, and due to the design of the 1900's steps ... it's at your own risk. It's worth it though!
The idea is to meet our community, generate questions, get ideas from everyone about ways we can serve where we are, and for you to see around.
Family Movie Nights in December
To celebrate Christmas, and help get us in the mood all through Advent, we're hosting some Family Movie Nights. All we're asking is a £3 donation per person, and there's a tuck shop and refreshments here too.
Muppets Christmas Carol, The Polar Express, and then Nativity, once a week through December.
We'll be upstairs in the gorgeous surroundings of our Upper Room, with the heated floor and a very large screen indeed. Can't wait!
All children must be accompanied by an over 16, and they remain the responsibility of that adult at all times.
Book tickets for 'Muppets Christmas Carol' here
Book tickets for 'The Polar Express' here
Book tickets for 'Nativity!' here
Christingle - A service for the whole family.
On Sunday 21st December, at 4pm in the afternoon, we'll be running a 'Christingle' service.
If you've never been to one before, prepare to feel super-Christmassy. Yes, there are sweets, candles, oranges and more. We build Christingles ready to give to you, we talk about what they mean, sing Christmas music, and celebrate how God is good. There will be a short reading from the Bible, a talk for the whole family of any age, and the smell of oranges filling the whoe building.
So you're invited, and bring friends and family along with you for this unforgettable seasonal service.
Little Christmas Eve [a Pioneer Church music and prayer event]
On the night before Christmas Eve, in the middle of the noise, the rush, the movies ... come to St Ninian's Church and join with Pioneer Church in an evening of peace-filled wonder.
There will be music, prayer, warm refreshments, and a time of quiet relaxation together in the presence of God. Space to be yourself, to meet people of faith, to pause and simply be.
Christmas Eve Crib Service: 4pm
On the night before Christmas, sneak out with family and friends as we re-create the Nativity story in church. Please come dressed as a character from the Nativity story (Mary, Joseph, Shepherds, Wise Men/Women, A Star, a donkey, a sheep, an Inn-Keeper, or even an Ox!).
We will remember the whole story, sing Christmas music, pray, hear from the Bible, have a short, all-age-friendly talk, and then go home ready for the big day.
Midnight Communion (Christmas Eve into Christmas Morning)
Take communion together just after midnight in a space surrounded by candles, carols, and Christmas readings. With Prayer and a short inspiring talk. A beautiful way to see in Christmas day.
Christmas Morning
You've woken up and realised the beauty of the day - it's Christmas morning!
Carve out the space and the time to come and meet with an exciting and an excited community of believers, as we celebrate together the best news that planet earth has ever heard. The birth of a figure who was going to change all of human history in the biggest way any figure ever has.
10.30am Christmas morning.
Bring a present you have opened, should you wish to.
There will be fun, laughter, mince-pies (probably) and time to celebrate what Christians call the Good News of Jesus. You are very warmly welcome, even if it is your first time ever to church.
Post-Christmas Day Carols
After the fuss and the parties have begun to die down, it's time to pause in the midle of the party season, to allow in a little light and grace.
Carols, readings, prayer and more - 28 December at 6pm.
This service is aimed at those of us involved in full-time employment who are probably about to head back to work and just want another opportunity to pause before the build to 2026 begins.
Alpha: An opportunity to explore the meaning of life!
Starting in January 2026, and going all the way to Easter, this course covers the basics of what it means to be a Christian today. It's based on video material, food, discussion and open questions from anyone on the course.
We're running this for free at The Bohemian Coffee House (opposite NEXT on Strand Street).
To look at all the details for this course and sign up, click here.
